Mary Ellen Pitney

Mary Ellen Pitney is the local producer and host of Morning Edition, airing 5am-9am weekdays on 90.5 FM WKAR.

Mary Ellen joined WKAR in June 2019.

Mary Ellen comes to WKAR after three years as Weekend Edition host at Northwest Public Broadcasting in Pullman, Washington. She is a graduate of Washington State University’s Edward R. Murrow College of Communication.

Ways to Connect

Sparrow Health System recently launched a drive-through coronavirus testing program at the former Sears site in Lansing's Frandor Shopping Center. People can get tested for either the virus, or for COVID-19 antibodies. People with coronavirus antibodies have been looked at as a source for plasma, which may be used to help fight the disease.

The coronavirus pandemic has tanked national and local economies. Many families are struggling to keep their heads above water. The financial fallout of this global health crisis will likely be felt for months and years to come

WKAR's Mary Ellen Pitney spoke with Denise Keiser of Balance, a financial wellness organization in Lansing, to discuss what people can do to keep themselves financial healthy during this time.

There are shortages of personal protective equipment across the country as healthcare workers everywhere try to combat the coronavirus, and Michigan is no exception. Cases have surged in the state.

The N95 mask is the CDC recommended mask to protect against the coronavirus, but they are in short supply. Michigan State University is exploring ways to make these masks reusable. Morning Edition Host Mary Ellen Pitney spoke with Dr. Jeff Dwyer from MSU Extension about the project.

Mary Ellen Pitney interviews Elisabeth Anderson from the Center for Research on Ingredient Safety at Michigan State University about how to keep clean and help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Elizabeth Anderson is the Director of Science Communication for the Center for Research on Ingredient Safety at Michigan State University. She joined Mary Ellen Pitney to discuss what products to use to help prevent the spred of the coronavirus. She also shares how to safely use bleach solutions and talks about what misconceptions are swirling around about coronavirus prevention.

The sixth season of the Emmy Award winning WKAR-TV kid’s science show Curious Crew premieres Monday. The program explores ways of making science fun by taking a hands on approach to investigating principles of science, technology, engineering, and math also known as STEM. WKAR's Mary Ellen Pitney spoke with the show’s host Dr. Rob Stephenson, as well as senior producer Carol Yancho, and crew member Genesis.

A Traffic Jam, Valentines Day music series, The MSU Latinx Film Festival, Americana, and Into The Woods. Join Mary Ellen Pitney and Jamie Paisley to talk about events happening this week around Michigan